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Mainframe Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

Mainframe Specialist Duration: 12+ Months Contract Location: Hybrid - Des Moines, IA - 3 Days a week. Note: Need experience with JCL and DB2. • 3+ years' work experience or equivalent experience ...

Mainframe Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$47.75 - $61.25/hr

We are Looking for Mainframe Specialist position based in Raleigh, NC for 01 year contract position. Title: Mainframe Specialist Location: Raleigh, NC Duration: 12+ Months Client: State of NC ...

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Westlake, OH · On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical ...

Mainframe

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

Mainframe Technical Specialist - Cobol, DB2, VSAM, JCL, CICS Must Have Skill COBOL, Customer Information Control System (CICS),IBM DB2,Job Control Language (JCL),Virtual Storage Access Methods (VSAM ...

Mainframe Migrations specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Mainframe Migrations specialist (Data Migration Mainframe to RDBMS) Location : Dallas TX In one sentence You will be extracting data from a variety of legacy mainframe databases, mapping the raw data ...

Mainframe Developer

Edison, NJ · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

The Senior Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance and support in the areas of Mainframe Cobol, DB2, VSAM, JCL, Mainframe CICS. The role involves ensuring the ...

Mainframe Cobol Developer

Edison, NJ · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

Senior Technical Specialist with Mainframe - Cobol, DB2, VSAM, JCL, CICS Job Summary The Senior Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance and support in the ...

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Mainframe Specialist information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe specialist in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Mainframe Specialists?

Mainframe Specialists are IT professionals who manage, maintain, and optimize mainframe computer systems, which are large, powerful computers used by organizations for critical applications such as bulk data processing and large-scale transaction management. They ensure the reliability, availability, and security of mainframe environments, often working with legacy software and specialized hardware. Their responsibilities include system monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and implementing upgrades or patches. Mainframe Specialists also collaborate with other IT teams to integrate mainframe systems with modern technologies, ensuring seamless business operations.

How does a Mainframe Specialist typically collaborate with application development and operations teams?

A Mainframe Specialist often works closely with both application development and operations teams to ensure smooth deployment, performance, and maintenance of mainframe applications. This involves participating in code reviews, troubleshooting system issues, optimizing resource utilization, and implementing security protocols. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as Mainframe Specialists bridge the gap between technical infrastructure and application functionality, helping to resolve incidents quickly and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Specialist, you need a solid understanding of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and experience with database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as JCL, IBM utilities, and mainframe monitoring or automation systems, along with relevant certifications (e.g., IBM Certified System Programmer), is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for troubleshooting issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities are vital for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of critical enterprise computing environments.

What is the difference between Mainframe Specialist vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe SpecialistMainframe Developer
Primary RoleMaintains, supports, and manages mainframe systems and infrastructureDesigns, codes, and tests mainframe applications and software
Skills & CertificationsMainframe certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Specialist), system administration skillsProgramming languages (COBOL, JCL), application development certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT departments, mainframe roomsDevelopment labs, software teams, project-based environments
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsFinancial services, insurance, retail companies

While both roles work within the mainframe ecosystem, a Mainframe Specialist focuses on maintaining and supporting mainframe systems, whereas a Mainframe Developer primarily designs and develops mainframe applications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Mainframe Specialist jobs
What states have the most Mainframe Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 10% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Mainframe Specialist

Mainframe Specialist

Prodware Solutions

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job title: Mainframe Specialist

Duration:  12+ Months Contract 

Location: Hybrid - Des Moines, IA - 3 Days a week.

Note:
Need experience with JCL and DB2.
 
Job Description:
 
• 3+ years’ work experience or equivalent experience.
 
• Strong COBOL expertise and experience working with mainframe systems is required.
 
• Experience in mainframe platforms (e.g., IBM Z/OS, CICS, JCL, DB2, TSO, VSAM) is required.
 
Preferred:
Life insurance industry 
 
IMS - Information Management System